Review of Ickworth House Spa, Bury St Edmunds

Ickworth House Hotel, Bury St Edmunds - 3 bubbles

A Good Spa Guide reviewer was invited to try a Yon-Ka treatment at this four-star country hotel, complete with hundreds of acres of parkland. Her lavender allergy meant a quick change of plans...

Was it easy to book?

First impressions?

How did they welcome you?

What happens next?

Which treatments did you have?

What were the treatments like?

How did you feel afterwards?

What happens afterwards?

Long-term effects

Was it worth it?

What else could you have?

What do you wish you'd known before you went?

Who do you think would like it?

Why did you give the spa this rating?

Would you go again?

Was it easy to book?

We were invited to try a treatment at Ickworth, so all arrangements were made by email and phone - very easily and efficiently.

First impressions?

Stunning. However amazing Ickworth looks in the brochure or on their website, double it. You drive through the gate, over the cattle grid and into hundreds of acres of parkland dotted with huge oaks that have been standing there majestically for many years. Just when you think the drive will never end, you catch a glimpse of the huge Rotunda with the East and West wings leading off it. Built in the eighteenth century to house an art collection accumulated by the fourth Earl of Bristol, it's a monument to the power of money and the ability of the English aristocracy to build whatever they want, wherever they want it. The building is now owned by the National Trust. The East wing has been turned into the Ickworth Hotel which describes itself a "luxury family hotel". And it is.

How did they welcome you?

You park by the stables, crunch over the gravel, go past the bikes with colourful baby carriages fixed to the back, and enter through the porch which has rows of Wellingtons lined up ready for country walks. A large and friendly Labrador wandered over to say hello. I felt I had stepped into a set for "Brideshead Revisited".

What happens next?

I had lunch in the conservatory, all white and light with open doors looking out onto the lovely gardens. Lovely fresh food, served by friendly, unstuffy staff. After lunch, I went down to the lower ground floor where there is a large crèche (Ofsted registered) and what they call their "Retreat". In reality, this is three treatment rooms (one with a shower and a hydrotherapy bath) and a reception area with seating. The swimming pool is in another building. It's nice and warm with spacious changing rooms but no sauna or steam room.

Which treatments did you have?

Well... I booked in for a Grand Classique facial which is deep pore cleansing, restoring and relaxing. I filled in my medical form, handed it back to the therapist and pointed out that there was nowhere for me to write any extra information. And I needed to put some extra information because I am allergic to lavender. There was a silence. Then all the therapists went into a huddle. What had I said? Apparently, the new Yon-Ka range they have just introduced at Ickworth has lavender in almost every product. Now I understood the silence! The range uses a blend of five essential oils: lavender, cypress, rosemary, thyme and geranium, and this is sprayed at various points during most treatments. I must have been their client from hell. My therapist suggested doing a patch test, but I explained that I don't come up in a rash, but lavender makes me violently sick. I didn't want to make a mess on their lovely flagstone floor. Eventually, they decided to use some of the products they previously used. And very nice they were, too.

What were the treatments like?

I had a relaxing facial, with a very good neck and shoulder massage thrown in.

How did you feel afterwards?

My skin felt clean and plumped up and I was nicely relaxed.

What happens afterwards?

You can go and sit in the lounge, take a swim in the pool, pick up a bike and take a ride around the grounds, or just take a long walk. It's all so restful at Ickworth, that whatever you do, it makes the sense of relaxation stay with you.

Long-term effects

None from the facial, but I loved the surroundings and drove home grateful that I live in England and glad of the sunny day.

Was it worth it?

Ickworth is an expensive hotel to visit, so you are committing to a hefty bill at the end of your stay. But if you have small children and use all their facilities, then a weekend here could be just what an exhausted mum and dad need. However, I would expect a hotel as grand and luxurious as Ickworth to offer more of a complete spa experience. At the moment, it's a delightful hotel with some nice treatment rooms tucked away on the lower floor.

What else could you have?

Yon Ka treatments, obviously.

What do you wish you'd known before you went?

That the hotel itself was so lovely and luxurious, and yet very relaxed and laid back. That they have wonderful apartments you can stay in. I think I might do that for my next major birthday.

Who do you think would like it?

The hotel is aimed at families with young children and for them it's perfect. Ideal for three generations who want to meet up, as well.

Why did you give the spa this rating?

We gave Ickworth 3 bubbles. While the hotel is, without doubt, five star, the spa lags behind somewhat. The treatments and therapists are good. But the place cries out for a proper spa near the pool, with steam rooms and a sauna and a proper relaxation area. With all the delightful grounds, they could even introduce some treatment rooms in cabinas. I've had treatments in these in America and in Africa; you have your massage with the side doors open looking out over the grounds...

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